The Ekiti State House of Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring strict adherence to the recently amended Regency and Chieftaincy Law. The objective is to foster a harmonious relationship between regents and traditional rulers across the state.
This position was made clear during a plenary session on Thursday, where Speaker Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye and members of the Seventh Assembly adopted the report of the Ad-hoc Committee investigating allegations of maltreatment of regents in Ikole Local Government.
According to a statement signed by Olasunkanmi Ekundayo, Director of Information Services, EKHA, the Committee—led by Rt. Hon. Hakeem Jamiu of Irepodun/Ifelodun Constituency 2—submitted its findings following a petition from the regent of Oke Ako in Ikole Local Government.
Commending the Committee’s efforts, Rt. Hon. Aribasoye directed traditional leaders in Ikole Local Government to uphold equity and fairness by promptly disbursing all outstanding allowances to affected regents.
House Mourns Loss of EKSU Chancellor’s Wife
During the session, Rt. Hon. Jamiu informed the House of the passing of Mrs. Gbemisola Olowolafe, wife of the Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Dr. Tunji Olowolafe. She passed away recently after a brief illness.
Expressing condolences, Speaker Aribasoye described Dr. Olowolafe as a benefactor and a distinguished son of the state. He directed the Clerk of the House to send a formal condolence letter to the family on behalf of the Assembly.
Reports and Legislative Actions
In the plenary, Hon. Tope Longe, Chairman of the Committee on Investment, Trade, and Industries, presented a comprehensive report on the Committee’s visit to the Ekiti State House (NANET) in Abuja, including viable recommendations.
Additionally, the Ad-hoc Committee reviewing a petition from retirees of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science, and Technology, Ikere Ekiti (BOUESTI), chaired by Hon. Biodun Fawekun of Ido/Osi Constituency 1, presented its findings. The Speaker instructed the Committee to engage with relevant stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Finance, to resolve outstanding concerns.
Lawmakers Address Illicit Drug Use Among Youths
A motion highlighting the dangers of illicit drug use among youths was moved by Hon. Ademola Ojo of Ijero Constituency and seconded by Hon. Idowu Sunday Odebunmi of Oye Constituency 2.
During deliberations, lawmakers including Hon. Kehinde Adaramodu, Babatunde Oke, Lateef Oluwole Akanle, Adeyemi Awoniyi, and Babatunde Omotayo commended the motion’s intent and pledged to take action on the matter.
Lawmakers Visit Elderly People’s Resort
Following the plenary, the legislators paid a courtesy visit to the Elderly People’s Resort in Ado Ekiti, where they were warmly received by the President of the Ekiti Elders’ Council, Prof. Joseph Oluwasanmi.